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Sebastian Inlet bridge on State Road A1A is 'structurally deficient': What does that mean?

A routine visual inspection after last month's Hurricane Dorian confirmed what the state already knew: The James H. Pruitt Memorial Bridge, which crosses the inlet between Brevard and Indian River counties, is "structurally deficient," the FDOT website said.

In its current state, however, the bridge is not unsafe, according to the state.

State bridges are inspected in detail every two years, but also are inspected visually after hurricanes and major storms, FDOT District 4 spokesman Guillermo Canedo said.

After Hurricane Dorian, a routine visual inspection of the James H. Pruitt Memorial Bridge, which crosses the inlet between Brevard and Indian River counties, prompted the state to take action, he said.

The bridge, built in 1964, is listed on the statewide inventory as "structurally deficient," a rating that means the bridge should be repaired or replaced within six years, according to FDOT.

The bridge has a "health index" of 79.8, state records show. That listing describes the overall condition of a bridge. Any span rating below 85 needs some repairs, "although it doesn't mean the bridge is unsafe," the FDOT website said.

The dunes in front of the Oceana condominium were heavily damaged. With the exception of some wind gusts, the remnants of Hurricane Dorian on Brevard County were gone by late morning. The main concern was erosion and power outages. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

The dunes in front of the Oceana Condonium in Satellite Beach were heavily damaged. With the exception of some wind gusts, the remnants of Hurricane Dorian on Brevard County were gone by late morning. The main concern was erosion and power outages. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Offshore winds made for some good surfing conditions along Brevard's coast and Nick Hoff of Cocoa Beach was at RC's in Satellite Beach taking advantage of the conditions. With the exception of some wind gusts, the remnants of Hurricane Dorian on Brevard County were gone by late morning. The main concern was erosion and power outages. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Offshore winds made for some good surfing conditions. This surfer was the first to paddle out early south of the Cocoa Beach Pier Wednesday morning. With the exception of some wind gusts, the remnants of Hurricane Dorian on Brevard County were gone by late morning. The main concern was erosion and power outages. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

The dunes at Pelican Beach Park in Satllite Beach suffered heavy damage from the storm. With the exception of some wind gusts, the remnants of Hurricane Dorian on Brevard County were gone by late morning. The main concern was erosion and power outages. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Shell Street in Satellite Beach always seems to suffer heavy erosion during storms. With the exception of some wind gusts, the remnants of Hurricane Dorian on Brevard County were gone by late morning. The main concern was erosion and power outages. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Thel little donkey and cart were blown over at Little Dos restaurant in Satellite Beach. With the exception of some wind gusts, the remnants of Hurricane Dorian on Brevard County were gone by late morning. The main concern was erosion and power outages. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Offshore winds made for some good surfing conditions along Brevard's coast and these surfers at RC's in Satellite Beach took advantage of it. With the exception of some wind gusts, the remnants of Hurricane Dorian on Brevard County were gone by late morning. The main concern was erosion and power outages. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Offshore winds made for some good surfing conditions along Brevard's coast and these surfers at RC's in Satellite Beach took advantage of it. With the exception of some wind gusts, the remnants of Hurricane Dorian on Brevard County were gone by late morning. The main concern was erosion and power outages. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Offshore winds made for some good surfing conditions along Brevard's coast and these surfers at RC's in Satellite Beach took advantage of it. With the exception of some wind gusts, the remnants of Hurricane Dorian on Brevard County were gone by late morning. The main concern was erosion and power outages. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Surfers head to the beach north of RC's using a damaged boardwalk. With the exception of some wind gusts, the remnants of Hurricane Dorian on Brevard County were gone by late morning. The main concern was erosion and power outages. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Using a metal detector, a treasure hunter looks for newly turned up finds on the beach near Shell Street in Satellite Beach. With the exception of some wind gusts, the remnants of Hurricane Dorian on Brevard County were gone by late morning. The main concern was erosion and power outages. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Patrick Evangelista, owner of Pub Americana, takes down the plywood after the storm passed. Cocoa Village the morning after Hurricane Dorian moved past the coast of Florida's east coast. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

Donna Kettner has owned Green Apples clothing boutique for over 35 years in Cocoa Village. She was cleaning up with help of from her brother the morning after Hurricane Dorian moved past the coast of Florida's east coast. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

Photography hobbyist Riley Hayes was out photographing the aftermath of the storm. Rockledge Drive the morning after Hurricane Dorian moved past the coast of Florida's east coast. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

Donna Kettner has owned Green Apples clothing boutique for over 35 years in Cocoa Village. She was cleaning up with help of from her brother the morning after Hurricane Dorian moved past the coast of Florida's east coast. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

His name is Earl. And he seemed to be supervising the clean up efforts as Donna Kettner, owner of Green Apples clothing boutique for over 35 years in Cocoa Village, was cleaning up with help of from her brother the morning after Hurricane Dorian moved past the coast of Florida's east coast. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

While Donna Kettner, owner of Green Apples clothing boutique in Cocoa Village, was cleaning up with help of from her brother the morning after Hurricane Dorian, their dog Earl was posing for portraits in a successful attempt to steal the spotlight. Well done, Earl. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

The businesses of Grant Station in Grant, FL show that they are open for business after Hurricane Dorian came through. Mandatory Credit: Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY

The debris field in the parking lot at John Jorgensens Landing in Grant, FL shows how high the Indian River got during Hurricane Dorian. Mandatory Credit: Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY

When the bridge will be replaced still is unknown because no money has been allocated for the project, Canedo said.

Initial design work for the new bridge is expected to begin in the 2021 budget year, according to the FDOT tentative five-year work plan. Over the next five years, the state could spend about $11.3 million on the new bridge the state said.

Details of the bridge's current deficiencies, and its last formal inspection on Nov. 14, 2018, were unavailable, Canedo said.

"I'm looking at (the bridge replacement) as an opportunity," Matson said.

Bike groups often turn around at the bridge because crossing it without a bike lane or other safety feature is deemed unsafe, he said.The bridge is very narrow, making biking potentially dangerous, he said.

The MPO plans to discuss the project and the state's five-year plan at its Wednesday, Oct.9, meeting, Matson said.

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HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

Harley Gibbons is one of several volunteers caring for the cats and kittens. HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

Hoping someone will make them members of the family. A kitten puts a comforting paw on a fellow feline. Harley Gibbons is one of several volunteers caring for the cats and kittens. HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

Harley Gibbons is one of several volunteers caring for the cats and kittens. HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

You’ll have to wait until October 7th for this nose and whiskers to tickle you. HOPE for Brevard, a non-profit animal rescue, has taken in 55 cats that survived Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. After proper health tests, the cats will be available for fostering or adoption starting on Oct. 7. This group has also rescued cats from hurricane in Texas and Florida. The cats are currently being kept safe and healthy at a private residence Melbourne. For more info on these and other cats, or how to donate much needed funds, supplies, or to volunteer, see their Facebook page or visit www.hopeforbrevard.org. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY